It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and friend Urgel Gravel after a courageous battle with leukemia. Left to mourn are his wife and soulmate of 60 years Sylvia (nee Cotnam) and their children Ryan (Donna) and Darquise Gravel-Skinner (Jamie). He was the most adored Poppa to Mia and Serena Gravel along with Alicia, Kaitlyn, and Adam Skinner. He was predeceased by his precious granddaughter and “partner” Renée Skinner (2017). He leaves behind his siblings Thérèse Mireault (Late Charles), Georgette Théroux (Late Henri), Laurier (Rachelle, Late Jacqueline), Madeleine Hnatyshen (Late Gerald), Lisette Cloutier (Maurice), and Roger (Suzanne). He was the cherished brother-in-law of Jim Cotnam (Suzanne), Shirley Wilson (Greg), and Dale Quinn (Desi) and predeceased by his Cotnam brothers-in-law Lawrence (Late Vivian), Joe (Lorraine), Leonard (Gisele), Robert (Joanne) and Wayne. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews. He is now reunited with his parents Felix and Florence Gravel (nee Picotte) and his father and mother-in-law Robert and Alexina Cotnam (nee Ryan).

Dad was the respected and well-known owner and operator of Timmins Nissan (formerly BuPont Motors) where he considered his staff true family. He repeatedly told us how blessed he was to have the best staff in town. Each of you were so dear to him. The love you gave him was such a gift. He will also be sadly missed by his golfing buddies Andy Cotnam, Peter DelGuidice, and his travel golfing buddies Russell Litt, the late Marcel Laurin, and Monseigneur Pat Lafleur who shared the motto “Friends Forever”. Dad was happiest at his beautiful lake home on Hydro Bay where he was surrounded by wonderful neighbours such as Carry Campsall and Bobby Potvin along with Gary and Jocelyne Brousseau. He loved spending time at the lake with his family enjoying a swim, a hot tub, or skating on their homemade Olympic-size ice rink, but most of all those splendid long rides on his pontoon boat. These are memories that we will always cherish.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dad’s medical team. Thank you to Dr. Gill and Dr. Knight (his Sudbury oncologists) for your care and medical guidance, and Dr. Chris Durepos for always being there for him as his family doctor but more importantly as his friend. A heartfelt thank you to the many nurses at the TDH Lab (especially Renée Carnovale) and those involved in his weekly transfusions at TDH including Melissa Aube, Laurie Tremblay, Lisa Moreau, Jennifer Mercier, Cathy Michaud, Clarice Watt, Renée Gauthier, Jenny Rizzuto, Chris Davis, and Chantal Dell’Erede. He always told us how blessed he was for the exceptional care that you gave him during his Wednesday visits. Each of you went above and beyond to make his visits more tolerable. To Debbie Rumble in ICU, for being there when he needed you most. To Sue Clark, his central booking agent at TDH, Dad always appreciated your kindness with him. You always accommodated his requests in such a caring way. Finally, a very special thank you to Chrissy Barbuto in the TDH Hospice who treated all of us like her own family. Your tenderness helped ease Dad’s concerns and your compassion helped sustain us while our hearts were breaking. You treated Dad with the compassion, dignity, and love that he so richly deserved.

The days, weeks, months, and years ahead will be difficult for all of us but Dad taught us how to be courageous when faced with adversity. He had a strong faith and love for life, laughter, and practical jokes. By his example, he taught us to love unconditionally, take the higher road, forgive, and that the love of family and friends is priceless.

Dad, we will miss you dearly but are comforted knowing that you are finally at peace. “A demain” Dad...we love you. XO

Funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 1:00 pm from St. Anthony's Cathedral of Padoua. Cremation will take place. A reception will follow at the St. Anthony's Cathedral Hall. Family will receive friends on Friday morning from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm from St. Anthony's Cathedral of Padoua. In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations to the Sylvia Gravel Theater (O'Gorman High School), Renee Skinner Memorial Scholarship Fund, Timmins and District Hospital Foundation or House of Kin would be greatly appreciated. The funeral arrangements are entrusted with the MIRON-WILSON FUNERAL HOME, RECEPTION AND CREMATION CENTRE, 150 Balsam St,. S., Timmins, ON

**NOTE** Donations to the following organizations are not available with our website. If you wish to donate to Sylvia Gravel Theater (O'Gorman High School), Renee Skinner Memorial Scholarship fund or the House of Kin, only cash or cheques will be accepted at the Funeral home. You may donte to the House of Kin through their website www.houseofkinsudbury.ca.